Chance in Chains: A Story of Monte Carlo

by Guy Thorne

"Chance in Chains: A Story of Monte Carlo" by Guy Thorne is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces two junior engineers, Basil Gregory and Emile Deschamps, who are struggling to make a groundbreaking discovery in wireless telegraphy but find themselves thwarted by financial limitations. As the narrative unfolds, the characters become engulfed in the glitzy and often perilous world of gambling at Monte Carlo, weaving a tale of ambition, misfortune, and the allure of fate. The opening of the book sets a vivid scene in Paris, where the two young men work diligently at a power station. Their conversation reveals their shared aspirations and frustrations, as they dream of recognition for their considerable talent and hard work. On a cold November night, the duo becomes lost in the fog and finds refuge in an intriguing wood workshop run by the Carnet brothers. This chance encounter lays the groundwork for an unexpected turn in their lives, as the brothers reveal their expertise in crafting roulette wheels for the famous casino at Monte Carlo. As Basil and Emile begin to explore the possibilities of their inventiveness within this gambling world, the narrative hints at a looming moral dilemma regarding chance and choice, setting the stage for a thrilling exploration of fate’s fickle nature against a backdrop of ambition and desperation.